Northern Lights Project Achieves Major Carbon Storage

Why is battery energy storage system being introduced in Mauritius?

The CEB is introducing a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on its network to arrest the fluctuation inherent to Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) systems. This is due to the increasing share of VRE in Mauritius' energy mix, as the country's energy transition to a low carbon economy gains momentum.

Is the energy strategy in Mauritius sustainable?

The energy strategies in Mauritius, which have been demand-driven without incentives to reduce demand, can no longer be sustainable. It is the duty and responsibility of the Government to work towards decreasing carbon dioxide emissions in light of environmental issues.

What is Mauritius' long term energy strategy?

The Government of Mauritius' Long Term Energy Strategy 2009-2025 aims to increase the share of renewable energy in our energy mix to 35% by 2025. This includes reducing the country's dependence on coal and heavy oil for electricity generation.

How will Mauritius transition to a low carbon economy?

Mauritius is transitioning to a low carbon economy, with the Central Electricity Board (CEB) installing the first grid-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This is the first of its kind in Mauritius and enables high capacity storage of renewable energy in the grid.

What is Mauritius aiming to reduce dependence on?

The Government of Mauritius' Long Term Energy Strategy 2009-2025 aims to increase the share of renewable energy in our energy mix to 35% by, reducing the country's dependence on coal and heavy oil for electricity generation.

What is a 150MW battery storage facility?

The 150MW Minety battery storage facility will comprise three 50MW adjacently located battery units utilising lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4)/ ternary lithium battery technology for storing electricity. Each battery unit will feature multiple inverters for discharging the stored electricity in alternate current (AC).

How many homes can a 150MW battery power?

Each battery unit will feature multiple inverters for discharging the stored electricity in alternate current (AC). When fully charged, the 150MW battery facility will be capable of holding 150MWh of electricity which will be enough to power approximately 15,000 homes for a day.

What is a mega battery energy storage project?

The grid-scale mega battery energy storage project comprises three adjacent battery storage facilities of 50MW capacity each. Construction works were simultaneously started on two 50MW facilities in December 2019 with commissioning expected by the end of 2020.

What is Europe's biggest battery storage project?

The 150MW Minety battery storage project being developed by Penso Power in Wiltshire, England, UK is Europe's the biggest battery storage development.

Will Penso power expand Minety battery storage?

Penso Power announced a 50MW expansion to the Minety battery storage project after securing a multi-year power off-take deal for the initial 100MW capacity in February 2020. The company secured land rights, planning permission and a grid connection offer for the 50MW expansion by March 2020.

Is Penso power a potential off-taker for a 50MW battery extension?

Penso Power is currently seeking a potential off-taker for the 50MW project extension. The initial 100MW battery energy storage project is being funded by the Chinese state-owned electricity generation enterprise China Huaneng Group and the Chinese sovereign wealth fund CNIC Corporation.